X-ray Imaging Device Rotary Arm Sensor Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

X-ray CT imaging devices require large X-ray sensors to detect X-rays passing through an entire field of view, leading to increased radiation exposure and higher costs, while panoramic imaging devices have limitations in accuracy due to sensor size and radiation distribution.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging device with a rotary arm-moving unit that allows the X-ray source to emit X-rays in multiple directions, using a smaller sensor width by moving the rotary shaft on a curved track, and employing a reconstruction algorithm to render a 3D image of the entire field of view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a large X-ray sensor is used to detect X-rays passing through the entire field of view, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the radiation exposure and device cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor areaVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the field of view into multiple sections and uses a smaller sensor to capture X-rays from different angular directions. By segmenting the imaging task across multiple angular positions rather than requiring a single large sensor to capture the entire FOV simultaneously, the system reduces the sensor size needed while maintaining comprehensive coverage through multi-directional scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces angular dimension as an additional scanning parameter. Instead of relying solely on sensor area to cover the entire FOV, the system adds rotational scanning around the subject, allowing a smaller sensor to achieve complete FOV coverage by capturing data from multiple angular perspectives and reconstructing the full image through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If a large X-ray sensor is used to detect X-rays passing through the entire field of view, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor areaVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the imaging function across multiple angular positions and a smaller sensor, replacing the need for an expensive large-area sensor. This segmentation approach allows the use of more affordable, smaller sensors while achieving the same comprehensive imaging coverage through multi-directional data collection and computational reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multiple angular copies of the imaging process by rotating the X-ray source and sensor around the subject. Instead of using one expensive large sensor, the system uses a smaller sensor to capture multiple angular views, effectively copying the imaging function across different angles and reconstructing the complete FOV image through computational synthesis of these angular copies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If the rotary shaft is fixed to rotate only around the longitudinal axis, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the imaging accuracy and completeness are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical structureVSAvoidimaging accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static single-axis rotation system to a dynamic multi-axis system. The rotary shaft is made movable along a curved track in addition to rotating around the longitudinal axis, allowing the X-ray source and sensor to access multiple angular positions around the subject. This dynamic configuration enables more complete FOV coverage and improved imaging accuracy while maintaining reasonable mechanical complexity through guided motion along a predetermined curved path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise 3D imaging of the entire field of view using a smaller X-ray sensor width, reducing physical interference and improving control and reliability, while minimizing radiation exposure and costs.

Implementation Method 1

X-rays attenuate while passing through an object, depending on the X-ray attenuation coefficient unique to the object, such as Compton scattering or photoelectric effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

X-rays attenuate while passing through an object, depending on the X-ray attenuation coefficient unique to the object, such as Compton scattering or photoelectric effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompton scattering: Compton Scattering

Implementation Method 3

X-rays attenuate while passing through an object, depending on the X-ray attenuation coefficient unique to the object, such as Compton scattering or photoelectric effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3037040B1X-ray imaging device
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 VATECH CO LTD
  • EP3037040B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3037040B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3037040B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging device and an X-ray imaging method for obtaining three-dimensional X-ray images of the entire field of view (FOV) by means of an X-ray sensor having a small width narrower than the radius of a smallest circle including the FOV. In particular, the present invention provides an X-ray imaging device and an X-ray imaging method using same, the device comprising: an X-ray source for radiating X-rays to a part of an FOV; an X-ray sensor for detecting the X-rays, which have passed through the part of the FOV, the X-ray sensor showing a width narrower than the radius of a smallest circle including a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the FOV; and a rotating arm for supporting the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor to face each other with the FOV therebetween, the rotating arm rotating and moving about an axis of rotation between the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor so that the X-rays are radiated to the entire area of the FOV in various directions of the FOV.